Government soon to build IAP house in Islamabad,
ISLAMABAD: (Parliament Times) The Institute of Architects Pakistan Rawalpindi-Islamabad Chapter held an opening ceremony of IAPEX 2019 – building material and products exhibition at Tulip Marquee Islamabad on Friday 15 th March 2019.
Scheduled from 15 th to 17 th March, this three-day mega event was based on the theme Jashn-e-Mimaar that aimed at celebrating the extensive roles architects play in shaping their built environment through a
series of interactivities comprising of an expo, forum, architect’s portfolio exhibitions, design competition and photography exhibition. Moreover, it tried to channel ways in increasing collaboration between key stakeholders of building industry such as architecture students, practicing architects,
academic researchers, real-estate developers, government officials and general public. The function was inaugurated with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony by chief guest Naeem Ul Haq, Adviser to the Prime Minister. Following the formal opening the chief guest visited the exhibition where
a number of items were at display. Mr Naeem ul Haq appreciated the efforts of the IAP-RIC chapter and at the request of IAP President Ar. Arif Changezi, he said he looked forward to the establishment of an
IAP house in Islamabad. IAP houses being present in both Karachi and Lahore already, Islamabad will soon have its own house, the government to donate land for it. He also recognised the local firms and their expertise in the construction industry. More than 35 leading brands of the building industry had displayed their materials and products, such as Brighto Paints who were the main sponsors of the event. New product displays by ZRK, who was the expo sponsor and co- sponsors like Kale, Master Tiles and Master Offisys were also exhibited. Apart from this, the exhibition
also showcased works of more than 15 architecture firms of Islamabad and Rawalpindi to appreciate the efforts of both young and experienced architects and to provide an insight into the evolving architecture
trends in Pakistan. Moreover, City Transect Competition display highlighted the stark difference between the urban outlook of the twin-cities (one being a planned city while the other organically grown). The contrasting visuals showed how effective urban design can help create pleasant urban
neighbourhoods. Similarly, the Heritage Walk 2.0 Photography Display also featured and appreciated the rich architectural legacy hidden in the dark and narrow streets of Raja Bazaar. As the event moved forward, speeches from key personnel in the architecture community began. Welcoming a large audience of architects, engineers and other related professionals including the general public, the president of the IAP Ar. Muhammad Arif Changezi appreciated that the event offered a diverse platform for students, professionals and academics to interact and exchange their perspective
for a better future. The chairman IAP-RIC Ar. Faisal Arshad thanked all event organizers and key sponsors for putting endless efforts into bringing about a successful show. He also engaged the audience
in an interactive session where he highlighted how such opportunities tend to create room for growth and innovation. The Chief Convener IAP-RIC Ar. Rana Atif Rehman also acknowledged the efforts of
everyone involved, including the president IAP, Chairman IAP, IAP Executive Committee and Event Sponsors. He also shared his thoughts on this year’s IAPEX theme and its potential for bringing goodwill
to the building industry in Pakistan.
In continuation of today’s event, tomorrow there will be an exciting forum where both local and international academics and practitioners will share a dialogue to create synergies between academia and building industry. Notable International keynote speakers and recipients of various architectural awards will be speaking at the event. Ar. Jehangir Sherpao, in his capacity as ARCASIA president, invited Rasem Badran to the exhibition at an ARCASIA event in Egypt. Badran has won the Aga Khan Award for
Architecture and will share his work in the highly anticipated talk at 12:50 in the afternoon. Moreover, as the event will proceed, highly informative papers will be shared by renowned local architects, shedding light onto the future of architecture in Pakistan. In order to broaden the discussion, the forum will be open to the general public and would encourage their take on the subject.
